Collapsible cargo platform

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates generally to a cargo platform designed to be used in connection with a trailer hitch and, more particularly, to a cargo platform designed to be collapsible. A cargo platform has an open position and a closed position. The cargo platform includes a frame with a front portion, a rear portion, first and second stationary side portions coupled to the front portion, first and second rotatable side portions, a first hinge element to rotatably could the first rotatable side portion to the rear portion, a second hinge element to rotatably could the second rotatable side portion to the rear portion, and a foldable floor. The foldable floor includes a first floor, second floor rotatably connected to the first floor, and a third floor rotatably connected to the second floor. The first floor is coupled to the front portion. The third floor is coupled to the rear portion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This applications claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/007,635, filed Apr. 9, 2020, the entirety of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a cargo platform, tray orbasket designed to be used in connection with a trailer hitch and, moreparticularly, to a cargo platform, tray or basket designed to becollapsible to allow a user to use the cargo platform, tray or basket ina fully extended state, a fully collapsed state, or any partiallyextended state therebetween.

BACKGROUND

The towing industry has developed platform and/or baskets that aredesigned to be used in conjunction with a trailer hitch. When a vehicletransports cargo or material, advantages can be obtained if loading ofthe material to be transported can be facilitated, without interferingwith the other functions of the vehicle. Typically, it is common to usea mounting for a trailer hitch to secure a cargo platform to a vehicle.

As a result, many such cargo platforms are known to facilitate suchprocedures. However, these devices tend to be bulky and clumsy. Toovercome one disadvantage of fixed cargo trays and/or cargo basketscollapsible devices are known. However, these devices lack the strengthor durability, and ease of use, that is desirable to the end user.

Furthermore, such devices which help the vehicle carry cargo tend tointerfere with the use and the enjoyment of the vehicle. For example,storage of the device may be a problem as a device that does notcollapse can protrude undesirably from the back of a vehicle. Also, thecargo platform may interfere with the operation of the trunk or the reartailgate of the vehicle.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved collapsiblecargo platform, tray or basket.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates generally to a cargo platform (sometimereferred to as a “cargo tray” or “cargo basket” designed to be used inconnection with a trailer hitch and, more particularly, to a cargoplatform designed to be collapsible to allow a user to use the cargoplatform in a fully extended state, a fully collapsed state, or anypartially extended state therebetween.

A cargo platform has an open position and a closed position. The cargoplatform includes a frame with a front portion, a rear portion, firstand second stationary side portions coupled to the front portion, firstand second rotatable side portions, a first hinge element to rotatablycould the first rotatable side portion to the rear portion, a secondhinge element to rotatably could the second rotatable side portion tothe rear portion, and a foldable floor. The foldable floor includes afirst floor, second floor rotatably connected to the first floor, and athird floor rotatably connected to the second floor. The first floor iscoupled to the front portion. The third floor is coupled to the rearportion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Operation of the present teachings may be better understood by referenceto the detailed description taken in connection with the followingillustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification,and written information in the drawings should be treated as part ofthis disclosure. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspectives view of a cargo platform,according to the teachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate a close up view of a folding apparatusof the cargo platform of FIGS. 1A and 1B in the open position, accordingto the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 2D illustrates a close up view a folding apparatus of the cargoplatform of FIGS. 1A and 1B in the folded position, according to theteachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the cargo platform of FIGS. 1A and1B, according to the teachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D illustrate the cargo platform of FIGS. 1A and1B progressing from an open state to a folded state, according to theteachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspectives view of a cargo platform in an openposition, according to the teachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate a perspectives view of a cargo platform in afolded position, according to the teachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate close up views of a folding apparatus of thecargo platform of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, according to the teachings ofthis disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate close up views of a locking mechanism of thefolding apparatus of the cargo platform of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C,according to the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example foldable floor for the cargo platforms,according to the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example foldable floor the cargo platforms,according to the teachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a cargo platform, according to the teachingsof this disclosure.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a collapsible cargo platform, according tothe teachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a cargo platform, according to the teachingsof this disclosure.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D illustrate a latching mechanism for thecargo platform of FIGS. 14 and 15 , according to the teachings of thisdisclosure.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate the cargo platform of FIGS. 14 and 15 mountedon a shank, according to the teachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C illustrates an example hinge connection for thecargo platform, according to the teachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate an example collapsible flooring for a cargoplatform in an open state and a closed state respectively, according tothe teachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 20C and 20D illustrate a close up view of the example collapsibleflooring of FIGS. 20A and 20B in the closed state and the open staterespectively, according to the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a cargo platform system, according to the teachingsof this disclosure.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an example shank with an articulating hingeso as to permit the cargo platform to be inverted, according to theteachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate an example collapsible flooring for a cargoplatform in an open state and a closed state respectively, according tothe teachings of this disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thepresent teachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural and functional changes may be made without departing fromthe respective scope of the present teachings. As such, the followingdescription is presented by way of illustration only and should notlimit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may bemade to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit andscope of the present teachings.

As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, orillustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a keyor preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to beinclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As anexample, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusivepermutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C).As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended tomean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural and functional changes may be made without departing fromthe respective scope of the invention. Moreover, features of the variousembodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scopeof the invention. As such, the following description is presented by wayof illustration only and should not limit in any way the variousalternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustratedembodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The present invention relates generally to a cargo platform (sometimereferred to as a “cargo tray” or “cargo basket”) designed to be used inconnection with a trailer hitch and, more particularly, to a cargoplatform designed to be collapsible to allow a user to use the cargoplatform in a fully extended state, a fully collapsed state, or anypartially extended state therebetween.

As described below, a cargo platform transition between an open positionconfigured to carry cargo and a closed positioned where the cargoplatform has a reduced from that may be used as, for example, a stepand/or a seat. For example, the cargo platform, in the closed position,may fit within a 10 inch by 10 inch by 50 inch volume. In some examplesdescribed below, the cargo platform has a three-panel floor. The threepanels are rotatably connected such that, when the cargo platformtransitions from the open position to the closed position, the floorrolls up upon itself so that one end wall of the cargo platform ispositioned proximate the opposite end wall. In some examples, when inthe closed position, a shank that interfaces between the cargo platformand the hitching system of a vehicle may fit within a space defined bythe floor panels for storage. Flexible and elastic latches (e.g., madeof rubber) may be used to secure the cargo platform in the closedposition. In some examples, the frame and flooring of the cargo platformmay be made of aluminum. As an additional example, the floor panels maybe made of extruded aluminum. The cargo platforms described below may belighter and/or more compact than other traditional cargo platforms.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspectives view of a cargo platform 100,according to the teachings of this disclosure. In the illustrateexample, the cargo platform 100 includes a frame 102 and a foldablefloor 104. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the foldablefloor 104 includes three floor portions: frame floor 104 a, center floor104 b and gate floor 104 c. Alternatively, in some examples, thefoldable floor 104 may include more than three floor portions. The frame102 of cargo platform 100 comprises a front portion 106, a rear portion108, left and right stationary side portions 110 and 112, respectively,and left rotatable and right rotatable side portions 114 and 116,respectively. In some examples, front portion 106 is fixed relative tothe rear portion 108 and does not move when the cargo platform 100transitions between an open position and a closed position (sometimesreferred to as a “collapsed position”). The frame 102 or at least one ofthe components thereof may comprise a tubular member that may be formedfrom any appropriate material, including, without limitation aluminum,non-metal composite materials, plastic or the like, which may helpreduce the overall weight of the cargo platform 100. Alternatively, insome examples, the front portion 106 may move toward rear portion 108when the cargo platform 100 transitions between the open position andthe closed position. Alternatively, in some examples, the rear portion108 may be fixed to and does not move with respect to gate floor 104 c.Alternatively, in some examples, the rear portion 108 may not be fixedto gate floor 104 c. In some examples, the front portion 106 may befixed to and does not move with respect to gate floor 104 a.

In the illustrate example of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cargo platform 100 isconfigured to mount onto a shank 122. The shank 122 is configured to fita trailer hitch coupler on a vehicle. The shank 122 may be selectivelyattached with the cargo platform 100 by, for example, utilizingfasteners (e.g., bolts and/or clamps, etc.). This facilitates the shank122 being configured for the vehicle and/or being removed from thevehicle when the cargo platform 100 is not in use. The frame 102comprising tubular members may provide the cargo platform 100 with alighter design that helps prevent the end away from the shank 122 fromrotating in a downward direction toward the ground when installed on avehicle. This is especially true when the cargo plate 100 is loaded withcargo.

The cargo platform 100 has at least one latching knob 124. In operation,a latching chord loops 125 around or otherwise connects with latchingknob 124 to secure cargo platform 100 in the closed position. In theillustrated examples, the latching knob 124 is shown on front frameportion 106. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, thelatching knob 124 may be located on other surfaces suitable for securingthe cargo platform 100 in the closed position. For example, the latchingknob 124 could be positioned on either or both of the side portions 110and 112 and/or either or both of the front and rear portions 106 and108.

Turning to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, in connection with thecollapsibility of the cargo platform 100, left rotatable and rightrotatable side portions 114 and 116, respectively, have left and righthinge elements 118 and 120, respectively. The hinge elements 118 and 120facilitate the left rotatable and right rotatable side portions 114 and116 to fold inwards toward the front portion 106 of frame 102 when cargoplatform 100 is in a closed or a partially closed position.Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the left rotatable andright rotatable side portions 114 and 116 may fold inwards toward therear portion 108 of frame 102 when cargo platform 100 is in the closedor the partially closed position. The hinge elements 118 and 120 may bewelded, monolithically formed, or otherwise immovably connected, to theleft rotatable and right rotatable side portions 114 and 116,respectively. In the illustrated examples, each of the hinges element118 and 120 also includes a Clevis Pin 119 and 121, respectively, tolock the left rotatable and right rotatable side portions in an open orfolded position. As shown in FIG. 2C, the left and right stationary sideportions 110 and 112 each terminate in snap connectors 128 and 130. Thesnap connectors 128 and 130 are shaped to releasably accept and securevia a friction fit, distal ends 115 and 117 of the left rotatable andright rotatable side portions 114 and 116, respectively, when cargoplatform 100 is in the open position. In some examples, the snapconnectors 128 and 130 are relatively “C” shaped or arcuate shaped. Asshown in FIG. 2D, to transition to the folded position, the distal ends115 and 117 are each removed from their respective snap connectors 128and 130, to allow the left rotatable and right rotatable side portions114 and 116 to be rotated in towards the rear frame portion 108 (or,alternatively, towards the front frame portion 106).

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the frame floor 104 a and the center floor104 b are rotatably connected via an interconnecting portion 132. Thegate floor 104 c and center floor 104 b are rotatably connected via aninterconnecting portion 134. In some examples, each of theinterconnecting portions 632 and 634 are configured to permit a maximumopen rotational position of 180 degrees with respect to adjacent floorportions, when cargo platform 100 is in a fully open state (see FIG. 4Abelow). In some examples, each of the interconnecting portions 132 and134 are designed to permit a maximum closed rotational position of 90degrees with respect to adjacent floor portions, when cargo platform 100is in a fully closed state (see FIG. 4D below). The interconnectingportions 632 and 634 may be hinges or any other mechanism for rotatablyconnecting adjacent floor portions.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate, in a step-wise fashion,transitioning the cargo platform 100 from a fully open position (FIG.4A) to a fully closed position (FIG. 4D). In the example illustrated inFIG. 4B, in a first transition step, (i) the Clevis Pins 119 and 121 areunlocked to allow the hinge elements 118 and 120 to rotate, (ii) thedistal ends 115 and 117 are unsecured from their respective snapconnectors 128 and 130, and (iii) the left rotatable and right rotatableside portions 114 and 116 are rotated in towards the front frame portion106. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4C, in a second transition step,the gate floor 104 c is rotated 90 degrees inwards towards center floor104 b. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4D, in a third transitionstep, the center floor 104 b is rotated 90 degrees inwards towards framefloor 104 a. In the fully closed state shown in FIG. 4D, the cargoplatform 100 may be secured in this position by connecting a latchingcord 125 to the latching knob 124. Additionally, in some examples, thecargo platform 100, when in the fully closed position shown in FIG. 4D,may be used as a step or a seat. When the shank 122 is operativelyinstalled into a hitch receiver of the vehicle the cargo platform 100can act as a step for a user to step on get into the vehicle or access ahigher point on the vehicle. It may also act as a seat for a user to siton when in the collapsed position. When in the open position andattached to the vehicle, the cargo platform 100 can act as a storagebasket on which items can be attached so as to be transported.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate an example cargo platform 200 thatincludes a frame 202 and the foldable floor 104. In the examplesillustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the foldable floor 104 includesthree floor portions: frame floor 104 a, center floor 104 b and gatefloor 104 c. Alternatively, in some examples, the foldable floor 104 mayinclude more than three floor portions. In the illustrated example, thegate floor 104 c incorporates reflectors 204 on each end of the gatefloor 104 c. The frame floor 104 a, center floor 104 b and gate floor104 c may be formed of an extruded aluminum with grip ridges 205 toprovide a gripping surface on a top side of the frame floor 104 a,center floor 104 b and gate floor 104 c. As described in FIGS. 3, 4A,4B, 4C, and 4D above, the frame floor 104 a and the center floor 104 bare rotatably connected via an interconnecting portion 132 and the gatefloor 104 c and center floor 104 b are rotatably connected via aninterconnecting portion 134. In some embodiments, any one of, some of orall of the frame floor 104 a, center floor 104 b and gate floor 104 cmay include devices that help secure various accessories. This maycomprise a strap for a bicycle wheel, a dedicated strap or plurality ofstraps to which a cargo bag may be selectively attached, a ski holder orplurality of ski holders, etc. The present disclosure isn't limited tojust these embodiments but may comprise any accessory attachment deviceor mechanism.

The frame 202 of cargo platform 200 includes a front portion 206, a rearportion 208, left and right stationary side portions 210 and 212,respectively, and left rotatable and right rotatable side portions 214and 216, respectively. In the illustrated example, the front portion 206includes a handle 218 to facilitated transitioning the cargo platform200 from the open position (FIG. 5A) to the closed position (FIGS. 5Band 5C). The front portion 206 also includes reflectors 219 to promotevisibility of the cargo platform 200 when the cargo platform 200 is inthe open position. The rear portion 208 defines a clearance 220configured to receive the handle 218 when the cargo platform 200 is inthe closed position. The frame 202 or at least one of the componentsthereof may comprise a tubular member that may be formed from anyappropriate material, including, without limitation aluminum, non-metalcomposite materials, plastic or the like, which may help reduce theoverall weight of the cargo platform 200. Further, any, some or all ofthe front portion 206, rear portion 208, left and right stationary sideportions 210 and 212 may also include a portion of or an accessoryattachment device. By way of a non-limiting example, the left and rightstationary side portions 210 and 212 may include a bicycle attachmentdevice such as a forked mechanism to which the front wheel or morespecifically the front wheel nut may attach. The frame floor 104 a,center floor 104 b and gate floor 104 c may include a correspondinglyaligned strap that attaches to the rear wheel of the bike such that thecargo platform 200 may be used as a bicycle carrier.

In the illustrate example of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the cargo platform200 is configured to mount onto the shank 122. The shank 122 isconfigured to fit a trailer hitch coupler on a vehicle. The shank 122may be selectively attached with the cargo platform 200 by, for example,utilizing fasteners (e.g., bolts and/or clamps, etc.). This facilitatesthe shank 122 being configured for the vehicle and/or being removed fromthe vehicle when the cargo platform 200 is not in use.

In the illustrated examples, the cargo platform 200 includes twolatching knobs 224. In operation, a two corresponding latches 226 areconfigured to fit around the latching knobs 224 to secure cargo platform200 in the closed position. The latches 226 are made of a flexibleand/or or stretchable material to facilitate a tight connection with thelatching knobs 224, such as plastic or rubber. The latches 226 include abase portion 228 and define a latching aperture 230 and a handleaperture 232. The rear portion 208 defines a latch hole for each of thelatches 226 that is smaller than the base portion 228. In theillustrated example, the base portion 228 of the latch 226 is press fitinto the latch hole to provide a secure connection between the rearportion 208 and the latch 226. As illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C, whenthe cargo platform 200 is in the closed position, the latching knob 224fits into the latching aperture 230 of the latch 226. In some examples,the latching aperture 230 is sized to provide a friction fit with thelatching knob 224. In the position shown in FIG. 5C, the cargo platform200 may act as a step or a seat. The gate floor 104 c may include agroove or a plurality of grooves (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or more) that canprovide a stepping surface with traction. The grooves may providetraction for a user. Moreover, the floor 104 c could comprise a seatingsurface such that a softer material could be added to act like a seatfor a user.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in connection with the collapsibility ofthe cargo platform 200, left rotatable and right rotatable side portions214 and 216, respectively, have left and right hinge elements 234 and236, respectively. The hinge elements 234 and 236 facilitate the leftrotatable and right rotatable side portions 214 and 216 to fold inwardstoward the front portion 206 of frame 202 when cargo platform 200 is ina closed or a partially closed position. In the illustrated examples,each of the hinges elements 234 and 236 include a push button spring pin238 and define two pin lock apertures 240A and 240B (collectively “pinlock aperture 240”) to lock the left rotatable and right rotatable sideportions in an open position (FIG. 6A) or folded position (FIG. 6B). Totransition the hinges elements 234 and 236 from one position to theother, the push button spring pin 238 is pressed until it clears thecurrent pin lock aperture 240, the hinge element 234 and 236 rotatessuch that the push button spring pin 238 snaps into the other pin lockaperture 240. Alternatively, in some examples, a Clevis pin or otherlocking mechanism may be used to control rotation of the hinges elements234 and 236.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the left and right stationary side portions210 and 212 each terminate in sleeve connectors 242 and 244. The sleeveconnectors 242 and 244 releasably accept and secure distal ends 246 and248 of the left stationary and right stationary side portions 210 and212, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, when the cargo platform200 is in open position, the sleeve connectors 242 and 244 slidablyengage from the distal ends 246 and snap into an open locking aperture250 As illustrated in FIG. 7B, when the cargo platform 200 is in ortransitioning to the closed position, the sleeve connectors 242 and 244slidably disengage from the distal ends 246 and 238 of the leftrotatable and right rotatable side portions 214 and 216 and snap into anclosed locking aperture 252.

Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9 , FIG. 8 illustrates an example foldable floor800 in the closed position that may be used in with any of the cargoplatforms disclosed herein. FIG. 9 illustrates the example foldablefloor 800 in the open position. For examples, instead of rolling up likethe fool 104 illustrated above, the foldable floor 800 accordions ortelescopes as the front portion moves laterally towards the back portionof the cargo platform.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an example cargo platform 1000. FIG. 10illustrates the cargo platform 1000 in an open position. FIG. 11illustrates the cargo platform 1000 in a closed position. The cargoplatform 1000 includes a collapsible frame 1002 and a foldable floor1004 formed from a plurality of rod-shaped floor members. Additionally,the frame 1002 of the cargo platform 1000 includes a front portion 1006,a rear portion 1008 and left and right side portions 1010 and 1012,respectively. In some examples, the front portion 1006 of the frame 1002is fixed and does not move, while the rear portion 1008 is configured tomove forward towards the front portion 1006 of the frame 1002 so thatthe cargo platform 1000 can be collapsed when desired. In connectionwith the collapsibility of cargo platform 1000, the left and right sideportions 1010 and 1012, respectively, have left and right hinge elements1014 and 1016, respectively, that permit at least a portion of left andright side portions 1010 and 1012 to fold over the end of the rearportion 1008 of the frame 1002 when the cargo platform 1000 is in theclosed position.

The cargo platform 1000 also includes the support members 1018 and 1020that are configured to be slidable or telescoping so that the supportmembers 1018 and 1020 can be reduced in length when cargo platform 1000is in the closed position. The cargo platform 1000 the shank 122designed to fit a trailer hitch coupler on a vehicle. In some examples,the cargo platform 1000 includes one or more tie down loops 1024.Although the tie down loops 1024 are shown on the rear frame portion1008, the tie down loops 1024 may be located anywhere else and in anydesired number. The tie down loops 1024 may also act as latching loopswhen cargo platform 1000 is in the closed position. Also, although notillustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 , a license plate adapter may be includedwith the cargo platform 1000 to permit the mounting of a license plateon the back edge of the cargo platform 1000.

In some examples, the tie down loops 1024 may be spring loaded so as tofacilitate a locking mechanism for the sides of the cargo platform 1000when the cargo platform 1000 is in the closed position. In suchexamples, each of the tie down loops 1024 further includes a set ofslots 1050 that permit each of the loops 1024 to move in at least onedirection (i.e., horizontally and/or vertically) when the cargo platform1000 is folded. Each of the tie down loops 1024 further includes aspring loaded latching mechanism 1052 and a capture mechanism 1054. Insome examples, the spring loaded mechanisms 1054 of the cargo platform1000 permit safe securing of the arm portions of the sides 1010 and 1012and the back portion 1008 when in use. FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D arevarious views (a side view and a cross-view) of the cargo platform 1000of FIGS. 10 and 11 .

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an example cargo platform 1200. The cargoplatform 1200 includes a collapsible frame 1202 and a foldable floor1204. The collapsible frame 1202 includes a front portion 1206, a rearportion 1208 and left and right side portions 1210 and 1212,respectively, that are able to slide and nest in order to the permitcargo platform 1200 to fold/collapse. In some examples, the frontportion 1206 of the frame 1202 is fixed and does not move, while therear portion 1208 is designed to move forward towards the front portion1206 of frame 1202 so that the cargo platform 1200 can be collapsed whendesired. In connection with the collapsibility of the cargo platform1200, the left and right side portions 1210 and 1212, respectively, areable to nest via the use of a plurality of nesting elements that formthe left and right side portions 1210 and 1212.

The cargo platform 1200 includes the support members 1218 and 1220 thatare designed to be slidable or telescoping so that the support members1218 and 1220 can be reduced in length when the cargo platform 1200 isin the closed position. Alternatively, in some examples, the supportmembers 1218 and 1220 may be rotatably connected to an additionalsupport bracket 1250 and configured such that the support members 1218and 1220 rotatably fit within the additional support bracket 1250. Thecargo platform 1200 includes the shank 122 designed to fit a trailerhitch coupler on a vehicle. Turning specifically to FIG. 14 , FIG. 13illustrates the cargo platform 1200 from underneath so that additionalsupport bracket 1250 is shown.

FIGS. 14, 15, 17, and 18 illustrate a cargo platform 1400. FIG. 14illustrates the cargo platform 1400 in an open position. FIG. 15illustrates the cargo platform 1400 in a closed position. The cargoplatform 1400 includes a collapsible frame 1402 and a foldable floor1404 formed from a plurality of rod-shaped floor members. The frame 1402of the cargo platform 1400 includes a front portion 1406, a rear portion1408 and left and right side portions 1410 and 1412, respectively. Insome examples, the front portion 1406 of the frame 1402 is fixed anddoes not move, while the rear portion 1408 moves forward towards thefront portion 1406 of frame 502 so that cargo platform 1400 can becollapsed into the closed position when desired. In connection with thecollapsibility of the cargo platform 1400, the left and right sideportions 1410 and 1412, respectively, have left and right hinge elements1414 1416, respectively, that permit at least a portion of the left andright side portions 1410 and 1412 to fold over the end of rear portion1408 of frame 1402 when cargo platform 1400 is in a collapsed state.

The cargo platform 1400 also includes support members 1418 and 1420 thatare designed to be slidable or telescoping so that the support members1418 and 1420 can be reduced in length when cargo platform 1400 is inthe closed position. The cargo platform 1400 may be attached to a shank122 configured to fit a trailer hitch coupler on a vehicle. In theillustrated example, the cargo platform 1400 includes one or more of theone or more tie down loops 1024 as described above.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C further illustrate a hinge setup for the cargoplatform 1400. In FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C, the support members 1418 and1420 (sometimes referred to as “guides”) are, as noted above, designedto be slidable or telescoping so that the support members 1418 and 1420can be reduced in length when the cargo platform 1400 is in the closedposition. In the illustrated examples, a living hinge 1456 is locatedproximate to the center of the foldable floor 1404 formed from aplurality of rod-shaped floor members. FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20Dillustrate the living hinge 1456 in further detail. In the illustrateexamples, each of the rod-shaped floor member mays be made up of twosub-portions with each of the sub-portions being operatively connectedto one another via one coupling element 1458 of the living hinge 1456.The living hinge 1456 also includes flexible folding portions 1460 thatconnect adjacent ones of the coupling elements 1458 and are configuredto be collapsible. In some examples, if there are “n” ones of thecoupling elements 1456 then there are “n−1” ones of the folding portions1460 that connect the plurality of the coupling elements 1458 to oneanother. FIGS. 20A and 20D show the living hinge 1456 in the openposition. FIGS. 20B and 20C show the living hinge 1456 in the closedposition.

The living hinge 1456 of FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20Dcreates a slip joint for the floor that facilitates, for example, asmooth open and closed function, high durability in relation to anopen/close duty cycle count; minimal wear, minimal NVH (squeakingnoise), a simplified manufacturing assembly design, and/or the abilityto integrate dissimilar metals into the design of various elements ofthe cargo platform 1400.

FIG. 21 illustrates the cargo platform 1400 with additional featuresadded thereto. While these additional features are illustrated inconnection with the cargo platform 1400, they may be utilized with anyof the cargo platforms described herein. A step 1464 may be secured onthe shank 122 or a bike carrier element 1466 may be secured to cargoplatform 1400 that can be utilized in both the open and closed position.Other accessories may include one or more of a brake light kit, or kits,two or more bicycle carriers of the same or different types, a carrierbag that can be secured via any suitable means to any of the cargoplatform, a product lock for locking any suitable product to any of thecargo platform, tray or basket, one or more steps of any style (i.e.,simple to origami style), a license plate adaptor, a retractable cargonet kit (snap on), and/or one or more back-up cameras and/or sensors,etc.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an embodiment where the shank 112 furtherincludes a articulating hinge 1458 that permits cargo platform 1400 tobe inverted into an upside down orientation. While the cargo platform1400 is illustrated, the shank 112 with the articulating hinge 1458 maybe used with any of the cargo platforms described herein. FIG. 23illustrates the cargo platform 1400 inverted in an upside downorientation. In the upside down orientation a bottom surface of thecargo platform 1400 may be a first height (H_(A)) from the bed of a topof a bumper of the vehicle and as second height (H_(B)) from the ground.In some examples, the articulating hinge 1458 may be configured suchthat the first height (H_(A)) is substantially equal to the secondheight (H_(B)) (e.g., 15 inches, etc.) to, for example, provide thebottom surface of the cargo platform 1400 as a step and/or a seat.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate an example of a folding floor 2404. Asillustrated in FIG. 24A, floor 2404 is formed from multiple foldingfloor slats 2440 that have a suitable number of rotatable upper cams2442 and a suitable number of rotatable lower cams 2444 that permit theslats 2440 to move from a horizontal unfolded position to a verticalfolded/nested position. The cams 2444 not only fold/rotate but to slidehorizontally in left and right floor tracks. The floor 2404 is rotatablyfixed to at least a portion of the frame of cargo platform so that thefloor 2404 is foldable in only one direction, while another opposite end2448 of the floor 2404 is free of a rotatable cam and is able to slidefreely forward and backward in the left and right floor tracks. FIG. 24Aillustrates the cams 2442 and 2444 oriented in a folded state. FIG. 24Billustrates the cams 2442 and 2444 oriented in an unfolded state.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustratedin the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detaileddescription, it is to be understood that the present invention is not tobe limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the inventiondescribed herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modificationsand substitutions without departing from the scope of the claimshereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include allmodifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope ofthe claims or the equivalent thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cargo platform with an open position and aclosed position, the cargo platform comprising: a frame including: afront portion; a rear portion; first and second stationary side portionscoupled to the front portion; first and second rotatable side portions;and a first hinge element to rotatably couple the first rotatable sideportion to the rear portion; and a second hinge element to rotatablycouple the second rotatable side portion to the rear portion; and afoldable floor including a first floor, second floor rotatably connectedto the first floor via a first connecting portion free of engagementwith the first and second stationary side portions and the first andsecond rotatable side portions, and a third floor rotatably connected tothe second floor via a second connecting portion of engagement with thefirst and second stationary side portions and the first and secondrotatable side portions, the first floor being coupled to the frontportion and the third floor being coupled to the rear portion.
 2. Thecargo platform of claim 1, wherein the frame further includes: a firstsleeve connector to on the first rotatable side portion to selectivelycouple to the first stationary side portion; and a second sleeveconnector on the second rotatable side portion to selectively couple tothe second stationary side portion.
 3. The cargo platform of claim 2,wherein each of the first sleeve connector and the second sleeveconnector define an open locking aperture and a closed locking aperture.4. The cargo platform of claim 3, wherein each of the first rotatableside portion and the second rotatable side portion include a push buttonspring pin to selectively engage with the open locking aperture and aclosed locking aperture.
 5. The cargo platform of claim 4, for each ofthe first stationary side portion and the second stationary sideportion: the push button spring pin is to engage with the open lockingaperture when coupling the stationary side portion to the correspondingrotatable side portion the push button spring pin is engage with theclosed locking aperture when not coupling the stationary side portion tothe corresponding rotatable side portion.
 6. The cargo platform of claim1, wherein the frame further includes: a latching knob coaxial with thefirst hinge element; and a flexible latch affixed to the front portionconfigured to engage with the latching knob when the cargo platform isin the closed position.
 7. The cargo platform of claim 6, wherein theflexible latch includes a base and defines a latching aperture and ahandle aperture, and wherein the latching aperture is configured toengage with the latching knob when the cargo platform is in the closedposition.
 8. The cargo platform of claim 7, wherein the rear portiondefines a latch hole, and wherein the base of the flexible latch ispress fit into the latch hole.
 9. The cargo platform of claim 1, whereineach of the hinge elements includes a push button spring pin and definesa first locking aperture along a first position of a circumference ofthe hinge element and a second locking aperture along a second positionof a circumference of the hinge element.
 10. The cargo platform of claim9, wherein the first position is 90 degrees along the circumference ofthe hinge element compared to the second position.
 11. The cargoplatform of claim 1, wherein the front portion includes a handle and therear portion defines a clearance to accept the handle with the cargoplatform in the closed position.
 12. A cargo platform with an openposition and a closed position, the cargo platform comprising: a frameincluding: a front portion; a rear portion; first and second stationaryside portions coupled to the front portion; first and second rotatableside portions; and a first hinge element to rotatably couple the firstrotatable side portion to the rear portion; and a second hinge elementto rotatably couple the second rotatable side portion to the rearportion; and a foldable floor, wherein the front portion includes ahandle and the rear portion defines a clearance to accept the handlewith the cargo platform in the closed position.
 13. A cargo platformwith an open position and a closed position, the cargo platformcomprising: a frame including: a front portion; a rear portion; firstand second stationary side portions coupled to the front portion; firstand second rotatable side portions; and a first hinge element torotatably couple the first rotatable side portion to the rear portion;and a second hinge element to rotatably couple the second rotatable sideportion to the rear portion; and a foldable floor; a latching knobcoaxial with the first hinge element; and a flexible latch affixed tothe front portion configured to engage with the latching knob when thecargo platform is in the closed position.